Conversation is with Amanda DeLotelle, Executive Director of Miami Valley Meals , a local nonprofit that started during the pandemic. I asked Amanda to give me a tour and tell me how Miami Valley Meals came about.“Just before the pandemic hit, I lost my job when Citilites at the Schuster Center closed. Executive Chef and colleague, Matt DeAngulo reached out to see how we could help our neighbors facing food insecurity with an impending pandemic. Matt’s friend, Bill Evans (founder of Evan’s Bakery), connected us to the House of Bread and in short order, we recruited our food service pals to help support.”
“Approximately 40% of food goes to waste in the U.S. At the same time, 1 in 7 people in Montgomery County face food insecurity. We’re trying to help bridge that gap. We focus on what we’re good at – cooking – and collaborate with others who know how to take care of everything else. We get donated surplus food from Gordon Food Service, the Dayton Food Bank, NCR Country Club and many other places. Our team transforms this food into complete meals that are distributed through over 50 different nonprofits. Those nonprofits know how to get the food to the people who need it the most.
“We get a lot of help from volunteers. These volunteers from Premier Health that you’re photographing just plated 700 meals that are being loaded into our freezer. The meals can be reheated in the oven or in a microwave.”“Our meals typically have a protein, starch, vegetable and dessert. Today’s meal consisted of southwest turkey stuffed peppers with green beans and lemon berry bread pudding. That sauce chef Laura let you taste is for the blackberry teriyaki wings that will be part of our next meal.”
“Anyone who would like to help by donating food, funds or by volunteering, can find out more at miamivalleymeals.org”
As a former businessman, I like the strategy of Miami Valley Meals. I like that you do only what you’re best at and then work with others to do everything else. But how do you do your part? How can anyone make 700 meals each day out of whatever food is donated?
“It is a challenge,” she told me. “Having a talented culinary team with years of varied experience and food backgrounds makes the difference.”
Our executive chefs are Laura Cotton (in the Miami Valley Meals shirt) and Angela Abnett (black hat). Laura was a chef at the Dayton Engineers Club and House of Bread previously, and has a Cajun and Creole cooking background. You can also catch her at the bar she co-owns – The Phone Booth Lounge. Angela was a chef at Citilites for many years. She makes the most wonderful vegetarian and vegan dishes. Taste them and you’d never miss the meat.”
Other chefs on our team bring different skills. Chef Marilyn (striped hat) joined us from the Goodwill Senior Community Service Employment Program and previously ran a kitchen at a large institution so she understands bulk cooking. Plus, she’s an amazing baker. We were thrilled she chose to stay on with us after her program ended.Chef Julisa spent time studying hospitality and culinary at Ivy Tech in Indiana. Besides MVM, she works part-time at Sueno, an upscale Mexican eatery downtown as well as Blind Dogs, an elevated hot dog cart which you can regularly find in the Oregon District in warmer months.
In total, this is an amazingly experienced and creative team – just what you need to turn donated food into a great dining experience for our neighbors who are facing tough circumstances and could use a little light.
Join the scoop squad! The culinary team can always use an extra hand in the kitchen. Weekly, monthly, twice-a-year, whatever works for you.
They have volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups!
If you would like to register a GROUP to volunteer, please email taylor@miamivalleymeals.org to get started.
For more information on Miami Valley Meals go to our website: miamivalleymeals.org
